Caring for your show animal is vital to its comfort and appearance. Whether you’re showing chickens, cattle, sheep, swine, or goats, it’s important to invest in high-quality livestock supplies that help groom them for their events. Additionally, a few other aspects of raising a show animal will make them stand out in the ring. Below are a few ways to prepare your animal for a show.

What Makes an Exceptional Show Animal?

1. Proper Socialization

In addition to depending on livestock supplies, part of training a show animal is ensuring that they’re well socialized. This will help them acclimate to the loud environment at the fair. When raised with other animals, they are more comfortable with closer pens in the barns, and they will not be spooked as easily during shows. Exposing your animal to new environments, different people, and occasional sounds—without startling them—will help them feel more comfortable.

2. Healthy Habits

Show animals need to be healthy. Visiting a feed mill for nutrient-rich foods is an excellent starting point. In addition to consuming a diet that maintains their energy, they should also be exercised regularly. Pay regular visits to the veterinarian to ensure that their vaccinations are up-to-date and that they aren’t ill. Proper grooming techniques contribute to their overall health, too; a clean animal is less likely to attract fleas and other pests, and they will look more attractive in the ring.

3. Excellent Training

Regular training is the most effective way to ensure that show animals perform well in the ring. Practice correcting their stance, keeping the livestock between you and the judge, and showing off the animal’s best features. Find livestock supplies like halters and whips that your animals respond well to, and practice with them. Before a show, hold extra training sessions to ensure that the animal recognizes all of the signals.

Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center is the leading source for livestock supplies in the community. As one of the oldest feed mills in Ohio, this Bethel-based company offers everything that your beloved pets and livestock require to thrive. If you’re raising show animals, make sure that they’re properly cared for with the right foods, accessories, and grooming products. Visit the store online to learn more about their inventory, and call (513) 734-2246 to ask about personalized feed.